CN108974458B

CN108974458B - System and method for packing footwear into shoe box and method for aligning footwear

Info

Publication number: CN108974458B
Application number: CN201810532018.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 詹谨铭; 黄三倍; 黄琮盛; 李国弘; 张卜元
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2017-05-31
Filing date: 2018-05-29
Publication date: 2020-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-29
Also published as: US20230278736A1; US20180346166A1; TW201902794A; US11697516B2; US10822128B2; CN108974458A; TWI673216B; CN208963422U; US20210009293A1; WO2018222693A1

Abstract

Systems and methods for loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box are disclosed. The method may include utilizing a reusable packaging sheet positioned beneath the complementary article of footwear to transfer the complementary article of footwear into a shoe box. The method may also include removing the reusable packaging sheet from under the complementary article of footwear while keeping the complementary article of footwear positioned in the shoe box. Additional methods may include aligning and sizing complementary articles of footwear for loading into a shoe box.

Description

System and method for packing footwear into shoe box and method for aligning footwear

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to packaging articles of footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for packaging articles of footwear.

Background

Conventional methods of packaging articles of footwear for consumer display involve manually wrapping the article of footwear with tissue paper and manually positioning it into a shoe box. However, such methods tend to be inefficient in terms of article of footwear alignment and appropriate material selection.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, aspects herein relate to systems and methods for packaging articles of footwear. Traditionally, complementary articles of footwear are manually wrapped in tissue and placed inside a shoe box for consumer display. However, these manually performed methods can be time consuming and result in inefficiencies due to improper alignment of the article of footwear when wrapped or packaged, and/or due to improper material selection such as improper shoe box size and/or tissue size. In addition, improper material selection can result in additional waste.

Some methods for packaging articles of footwear rely on mechanical assemblies for transferring the articles of footwear into a shoe box. However, the minimal margin between the shoe box edge and the size of the article of footwear and tissue complicates the use of mechanical components for such tasks. In other words, the article of footwear is to be packaged in the shoe box with minimal packaging material and with little margin to hold the article of footwear within the shoe box, and this makes the mechanical device challenging to transfer the article of footwear into the shoe box without damaging the tissue or the article of footwear.

The methods and systems disclosed herein may alleviate one or more of the problems discussed above. In various aspects, at a high level, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide a system for aligning and wrapping complementary articles of footwear in a packaging material and transferring the complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box by using a flexible reusable packaging sheet, with less error, greater efficiency, and reduced waste as compared to conventional packaging methods.

In certain aspects, the methods described herein may utilize a light source to help align complementary articles of footwear on a transmission device, for example, by identifying a desired location for an apex of a heel end or a toe end of each complementary article of footwear. In these aspects, complementary articles of footwear may be placed on the conveyor system with the sole down, which allows for better alignment and stability for downstream processes, such as sizing and transferring of packaging materials. In addition, the movable alignment member may contact the complementary article of footwear to ensure that the complementary article of footwear is properly positioned and aligned on the transfer apparatus prior to transfer to a downstream process.

In various aspects, a properly aligned complementary article of footwear may be transferred to a sizing station where the complementary article of footwear is sized, for example, mechanically and/or optically. In these aspects, by sizing the complementary article of footwear, an appropriately sized packaging material, such as tissue paper, may be selected for other downstream packaging processes. In these aspects, mechanically or optically detecting the size of the complementary article of footwear and determining the appropriate size for the packaging material eliminates waste and error as compared to the manual process discussed above. Further, in certain aspects, an appropriately sized wrapping material may be taken and positioned on the wrapping station as the complementary article of footwear is transferred from the sizing station to the wrapping station, which may result in higher packaging efficiency.

In various aspects, transferring the complementary article of footwear from the sizing station to the wrapping station using the transfer member may be rotated about an axis transverse to the transverse direction of movement of the transfer member, such that the complementary article of footwear may be rotated to be placed on the packaging material on its lateral or medial side for proper orientation of the packaging in the shoe box. In these aspects, utilizing a single transfer member that is vertically and laterally displaced and rotated to change the orientation of the article of footwear may improve efficiency and reduce the amount of required components to process the complementary article of footwear.

In certain aspects, the complementary article of footwear is at least partially covered or encased in a packaging material and transferred to a transfer station for loading into a shoe box. In these aspects, the complementary article of footwear is positioned on a reusable packaging sheet that has been extended outwardly over the shoe box. Additionally, in these aspects, tension in the reusable packaging sheet may be controlled, for example, by the sheet extension member and/or the pressing member, thereby controlling the dropping of the complementary article of footwear into the shoe box. In these aspects, lowering the complementary article of footwear into the shoe box with the reusable packaging sheet allows for efficient and safe placement of the complementary article of footwear into the shoe box without the use of mechanical calipers or traps that should not fit inside the shoe box due to the tight margins between the inside dimensions of the shoe box and the size of the complementary article of footwear.

In various aspects, after placing the complementary article of footwear inside the shoe box, the reusable packaging sheet may be retracted to the packaging sheet source for reuse. In these aspects, the reusable packaging sheet has a low static coefficient of friction, for example less than about 0.4, to allow easy removal from under a complementary article of footwear without disturbing the position of the complementary article of footwear within the shoe box. Further, in these aspects, the reusable packaging sheet, due to retraction, may be reused to package additional complementary articles of footwear, thereby reducing waste in the packaging process.

Accordingly, in one aspect, a method of packaging a complementary article of footwear is provided. The method includes contacting and extending the reusable packaging sheet outwardly from the packaging sheet source to the distal point with one or more sheet extension members such that the reusable packaging sheet extends from the packaging sheet source through the first and second guide members to the distal point. The bottom side of the reusable packaging sheet faces the first and second guide members. In addition, the method includes positioning the first and second complementary articles of footwear on a top side of the reusable packaging sheet at a location between the first guide member and the second guide member, while the tension in the reusable packaging sheet at least between the first guide member and the second guide member is sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the first and second complementary articles of footwear positioned over the first and second guide members. The method further includes, after positioning the first and second complementary articles of footwear on the top side of the reusable packaging sheet, reducing tension in the reusable packaging sheet to cause the first and second complementary articles of footwear to shift vertically below the first and second guide members and into the shoe box.

In another aspect, a method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging is provided. The method includes placing the first and second complementary articles of footwear on a transfer device such that the sole of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear contacts the transfer device. The method further includes directing a light source onto each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear to identify a desired location of an apex location of a toe end or a heel end of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear on the transmission device. In addition, the method includes contacting each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear with one or more movable alignment members to align each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear such that an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the first complementary article of footwear is substantially parallel to an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the second complementary article of footwear.

In another aspect, a system for loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box is provided. The system includes a first transfer device sized to transfer first and second complementary articles of footwear. The system also includes one or more movable alignment members. Each of the one or more movable alignment members has first and second contact assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the first transport apparatus. The first and second contact assemblies are movable toward or away from each other to contact or be released from contact with one of the first and second complementary articles of footwear. Further, the system comprises a first and a second transfer member which are vertically and laterally displaceable. Each of the first and second transfer members includes first and second contact assemblies rotatable about an axis transverse to the direction of lateral movement of the first and second transfer members. The system also includes a packaging sheet source comprising a reusable packaging sheet. Further, the system includes first and second guide members laterally spaced from the packaging sheet source at a fixed location such that the first guide member is positioned between the packaging sheet source and the second guide member. Further, the system includes one or more sheet extension members. The one or more sheet extension members may be displaced from a first position in which the one or more extension members are positioned between the packaging sheet source and the first guide member to a second position in which the first and second guide members are positioned between the packaging sheet source and the one or more sheet extension members.

Drawings

Illustrative aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a top and side perspective view of an exemplary system for loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box including an alignment station, sizing station, wrapping station, transfer station, shoe box marking system, and shoe box transport system according to aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top and side perspective view of an alignment station showing a complementary article of footwear, a transmission device, a light source, and a movable alignment member, according to aspects of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a top and side perspective view of a sizing station showing a complementary article of footwear on a transport apparatus engaged with a sizing member with a transfer member positioned above the complementary article of footwear according to an aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a top and side perspective view of the sizing table of fig. 3 showing a transfer member engaging and lifting a complementary article of footwear according to aspects of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a top and side perspective view of a wrapping station showing a complementary article of footwear rotating about axis X when in contact with a transfer member, according to aspects of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a top and side perspective view of a cladding station showing a first complementary article of footwear positioned on a wrapping material positioned on a conveyor system with a portion of the wrapping material placed over the article of footwear by a cladding member, according to aspects of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a top and side perspective view of the cladding station of fig. 6 showing a second complementary article of footwear positioned on a wrapping material positioned on a conveyor system with a portion of the wrapping material placed over the article of footwear through a cladding member, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a top and side perspective view of a transfer table according to aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 9A is a side view schematic diagram of a portion of a transfer station depicting complementary articles of footwear, packaging sheet sources, pressing members, guide members, and sheet extension members positioned on a top side of a reusable packaging sheet in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 9B is another side schematic view of a portion of the transfer station depicted in fig. 9A showing a complementary article of footwear and a reusable packaging sheet positioned inside a shoe box, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 10A is a side schematic view depicting a portion of the reusable packaging sheet extending outwardly with the sheet extension member positioned beyond the guide member, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 10B is a side view schematic of the portion of the transfer station of fig. 10A showing the sheet extension member having moved rearward toward the packaging sheet source and the packaging sheet having released the additional portion of the reusable packaging sheet and the reusable packaging sheet falling below the guide member, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 11A is a side schematic view depicting a portion of the reusable packaging sheet extending outwardly with the sheet extension member positioned beyond the guide member, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 11B is a side schematic view of the portion of the transfer station of fig. 11A depicting the sheet extension member having moved back toward the packaging sheet source and the pressing member in contact with the reusable packaging sheet and the reusable packaging sheet falling under the guide member, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a top and side perspective view of a shoe box transport system according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a top and perspective view of a complementary article of footwear according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a top and side perspective view of an exemplary shoe box marking system including a label source, a label backing paper removal assembly, a label applicator, a shoe box retaining assembly, and a transport system according to aspects of the present invention;

fig. 15 is a top and perspective view of a portion of the label backing paper removal assembly of fig. 14 and a label applicator in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a top and perspective view of the label backing paper removal assembly and label applicator of fig. 15 with the display backing paper removal assembly removing the backing paper from the labels while transferring the labels to the label applicator according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top and perspective view of a portion of the exemplary shoe box marking system of FIG. 14 showing the tag applicator moved toward one side of the shoe box to apply a tag on the tag applicator to the shoe box when the shoe box retaining assembly has been extended to engage and retain the opposite side of the shoe box.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a method of loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box according to aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a flow chart of a method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging according to aspects of the present invention.

Description of the reference numerals

100: a system;

110: an alignment stage;

120: a size determination stage;

130: a coating table;

140: a transfer table;

150: a shoe box transport system;

160: a shoe box marking system;

202. 304, 502, 906, 1450: a transmission device;

204: a movable assembly;

206. 207: a light source;

206 a: a vertex position;

208. 209: a movable alignment member;

208a, 208b, 405, 407: a contact assembly;

208 c: a curved surface;

306. 307: a size determining member;

306a, 306 b: a large contact member and a small contact member;

306c, 306 d: a set of guides;

402. 403: a transfer member;

410: a support pillar;

412: a motor assembly;

414. 810: a track;

504: a source of packaging material;

506: a shelf;

508: a position member;

602: a packaging material;

604. 606: a covering member;

802: a reusable packaging sheet;

802 a: a top surface;

804: a sheet extension member;

806: packaging the sheet source;

808: a compression member;

812. 814: a guide member;

900. 1700: a shoe box;

900 a: sealing the shoe box;

902. 904, 1702: a side surface;

903: a scissor lift;

905: a shoe box transfer mechanism;

1301. 1302, 1303, 1304: a complementary article of footwear;

1302a, 1304 a: a toe end;

1302b, 1304 b: a heel end;

1302c, 1304 c: an inner side;

1302d, 1304 d: an outer side;

1302e, 1304 e: a sole;

1410: a source of labels;

1412A to 1412G: a label shoe box;

1420: a label liner removal assembly;

1422: a backing paper engaging member;

1424: a roller;

1426: a label receiving member;

1428: a back side;

1430: a label applicator;

1432: an orifice;

1434: a label engaging member;

1436: an extension member;

1438: a vacuum or negative pressure generating device connecting member;

1440: a shoe box holding assembly;

1442: a shoe box contact member;

1452: a sensor;

1454: a shoe box positioning member;

1610: a label;

1612: a linerless label;

1614: label backing paper;

1615: an edge portion;

1616: an adhesive surface;

1618: a moiety;

1800. 1900: a method;

1810. 1820, 1830, 1910, 1920, 1930: a step of;

x: an axis;

x1: a location;

x2: direction;

y: distance/direction;

Y¹: a distance;

y2: direction;

z: location.

Detailed Description

Turning now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, a system 100 for loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box is depicted. In the aspect depicted in fig. 1, the system may include an alignment station 110, a sizing station 120, a wrapping station 130, a transfer station 140, a shoe box transport system 150, and a shoe box marking system 160. As used herein, the term complementary article of footwear refers to a set of shoes, such as a pair of shoes, worn by a wearer on the left and right feet of the wearer.

In certain aspects, the complementary articles of footwear are sequentially processed at alignment station 110 to properly align with respect to each other and the system components and stations, transferred to sizing station 120 to size the complementary articles of footwear. Further, in these aspects, the complementary article of footwear is transferred from sizing station 120 to wrapping station 130, where the complementary article of footwear is at least partially covered with a wrapping material. Still further, in these aspects, the complementary article of footwear is transferred from the wrapping station 130 to a transfer station 140 that transfers the complementary article of footwear into a shoe box. Further, in these aspects, shoe box marking system 160 can apply labels to shoe boxes. Further, in these aspects, shoe box transport system 150 may transfer shoe boxes from shoe box transport system 150 to transfer station 140 and/or transfer shoe boxes out of transfer station 140 after complementary articles of footwear have been placed inside the shoe boxes. Each of the stations and systems of the system 100 of fig. 1 is described in detail below.

As can be seen in the aspect depicted in fig. 1, the alignment station 110, sizing station 120, wrapping station 130, and transfer station 140 are generally positioned in a linear fashion. For example, the alignment station 110 and the wrapping station 130 are positioned on opposite sides of the sizing station 120, and the sizing station 120 and the transfer station 140 are positioned on opposite sides of the wrapping station 130. Such linear positioning of the alignment station 110, sizing station 120, wrapping station 130, and transfer station 140 is but one exemplary configuration of the system 100. Other configurations and orientations of the alignment station 110, sizing station 120, wrapping station 130, and transfer station 140 are also contemplated by the methods and systems described herein. For example, in alternative aspects, the alignment station 110, sizing station 120, wrapping station 130, and transfer station 140 may extend along a radial path.

Fig. 2 depicts a close-up view of the alignment table 110 of fig. 1. As discussed above, in certain aspects, complementary articles of footwear, such as complementary article of footwear 1302 (e.g., a first complementary article of footwear) and complementary article of footwear 1304 (e.g., a second complementary article of footwear), are placed on transmission device 202. For reference purposes, fig. 13 depicts an exemplary complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304. Each of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 includes a toe end 1302a and a toe end 1304a, and a heel end 1302b and a heel end 1304b, respectively. In addition, each of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 includes a medial side 1302c and a medial side 1304c, and a lateral side 1302d and a lateral side 1304d, respectively. Further, each of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 includes a sole 1302e and a sole 1304e, respectively. It should be understood that the complementary article of footwear depicted in fig. 13 is exemplary, and that other types of articles of footwear are also encompassed by the disclosure herein, including but not limited to boots, sandals, dress shoes (dress shoes), and slippers. Throughout the description herein, reference will be made to complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 depicted in fig. 13, as well as any corresponding components or assemblies.

Turning back to alignment station 110 of fig. 2, in certain aspects, complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be placed on transfer device 202 by an upstream transfer system, either manually or in an automated fashion. In aspects, the transport apparatus 202 may be any type of conventional transport apparatus, such as a motorized conveyor belt.

As can be seen in the aspect depicted in fig. 2, complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 are placed on transmission device 202 such that sole 1302e and sole 1304e respectively contact an outer surface of transmission device 202, such as movable assembly 204 of transmission device 202. In certain aspects, the sole 1302e and the sole 1304e can provide a hard and/or substantially flat surface (of at least a portion of the sole 1302e and the sole 1304 e) for maintaining stability on the transport apparatus 202 to allow for more effective alignment when conveyed by the transport apparatus 202.

In certain aspects, the complementary article of footwear is positioned on transmission device 202 such that medial side 1302c of complementary article of footwear 1302 faces lateral side 1304d of complementary article of footwear 1304. In the same or alternative aspects, the complementary article of footwear 1302 and the complementary article of footwear 1304 may be placed heel-to-toe. For example, in these aspects, toe end 1302a of complementary article of footwear 1302 is positioned adjacent to heel end 1304b of complementary article of footwear 1304.

In various aspects, it may be desirable to place a complementary article of footwear on the transfer device 202 using a visual guide, for example, to identify a desired general or specific location of a particular portion of the complementary article of footwear on the transfer device 202. For example, as can be seen in fig. 2, in certain aspects, the light source 206 may direct light in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the transmission device 202 in order to identify a desired location of the apex location of the heel end or toe end of the complementary article of footwear when placed on the transmission device 202. In this example, as depicted in fig. 2, light source 206 directs light onto apex location 206a of heel end 1302b of complementary article of footwear 1302. The apex position of the heel end refers to the span of the heel end, which in some cases may be generally associated with the center of the heel end. Similarly, the apex position of the toe end refers to the span of the toe end, which in some cases may be generally associated with the center of the toe end. In aspects, the light source may be any type of light source, such as a laser source.

As can be seen in the aspect depicted in fig. 2, the light source 206 may be coupled to another component at the alignment stage 110, such as a movable alignment member 208. In certain other aspects, the light source 206 may be placed elsewhere at the alignment station 110, such as above the transfer apparatus 202, to provide a light line for aligning the apexes of both the toe end and the heel end. It should be understood that while the light source 206 and the movable alignment member 208 are described, the same parameters apply equally to the light source 207 and the movable alignment member 209.

As can be seen in the aspect depicted in fig. 2, the movable alignment members 208 may include

contact components

208a and 208b, respectively, positioned on opposite sides of the transport apparatus 202. In various aspects, the contact assembly 208a and the contact assembly 208b may be moved toward or away from each other such that they contact the heel end 1302b and the toe end 1302a, respectively, as the contact assembly 208a and the contact assembly 208b are moved toward each other. In certain aspects, such as the aspect depicted in fig. 2, the

contact elements

208a and 208b may be concave shaped to receive a portion of the toe end or heel end for a more efficient alignment procedure. In the same or alternative aspects, one or both of the contact element 208a and the contact element 208b may also include one or more curved surfaces 208c, such as rollers, to facilitate engagement with the toe end 1302 a.

In certain aspects, the complementary article of footwear is transferred to sizing station 120 after the complementary article of footwear is aligned, for example, by one or more movable alignment members. An aspect of sizing station 120 is depicted in fig. 3 and 4. In aspects, the complementary article of footwear may be transferred to the sizing station by the transmission device 202 depicted in fig. 2. For example, the complementary article of footwear may be conveyed along the transfer apparatus 202 of the alignment station 110 and transferred to the transfer apparatus 304 of the sizing station 120 of fig. 3 and 4. While in the aspect depicted in the figures, the transport apparatus of alignment station 110 and transport apparatus 304 of sizing station 120 are depicted as separate apparatuses, in some aspects a single transport apparatus may be shared between alignment station 110 and sizing station 120. The transport apparatus 202 may comprise any conventional type of transport system, such as a motorized transport belt.

In aspects, at sizing station 120, the size of the complementary article of footwear may be determined. Any sizing mechanism may be utilized to size the complementary article of footwear. In one aspect, the complementary article of footwear may be mechanically sized. For example, as can be seen in fig. 3, sizing member 306 may be used to mechanically size a complementary article of footwear.

In certain aspects, the sizing component 306 may include a size contact component 306a and a size contact component 306b positioned on opposite sides of the transport apparatus 304. In these aspects, the large contact assembly 306a and the small contact assembly 306b may be moved toward and away from each other to engage or disengage with the complementary article of footwear 1304. In aspects, large and

small contact assemblies

306a and 306b may be associated with a set of

guides

306c and 306d, respectively, to secure and capture complementary article of footwear 1304 before or while large and

small contact assemblies

306a and 306b are engaged or in contact with heel end 1304b and toe end 1304a, respectively.

Complementary article of footwear 1304 may be converted to the size of complementary article of footwear 1304 by mechanical contact of size contact assembly 306a and size contact assembly 306b in any manner known to those skilled in the art. For example, in various aspects, sensors not depicted in the figures may detect an amount of movement by which the size contact component 306a and the size contact component 306b are in contact with the complementary article of footwear 1304, which may be related to the size of the complementary article of footwear 1304. In certain aspects, a sizing member, such as sizing member 307, may be utilized to size complementary article of footwear 1302. In these aspects, sizing means 307 may include any or all of those parameters and components as described above with reference to sizing means 306.

In an alternative aspect, complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be optically sized. For example, in an aspect, one or more of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be scanned by a laser to determine the size of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304. In another aspect, a camera and software may be utilized to determine the size of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304.

In certain aspects, after sizing complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304, complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be transferred to wrapping table 130 such that at least a portion of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be covered or wrapped in a packaging material prior to transfer to a shoe box. For example, as can be seen in fig. 4, transfer member 402 and transfer member 403 may engage and move complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304, respectively. While the foregoing description focuses on the transfer member 403, it is understood that the same description applies equally to the transfer member 402 unless otherwise specified.

In certain aspects, transfer member 403 may move vertically and laterally to pick up and transfer complementary articles of footwear 1304 to wrapping station 130. In various aspects, transfer member 403 may include contact assembly 405 and contact assembly 407 that contact toe end 1304a and heel end 1304b, respectively, of complementary article of footwear 1304 in a manner capable of vertically lifting complementary article of footwear 1304 from transmission device 304. Transfer member 403 may be moved vertically using any mechanism known to those skilled in the art. In an aspect, the transfer member 403 may be coupled to one or more support columns 410 that may be displaced up and down by a motor assembly 412.

After transfer member 403 has moved or begun to move complementary article of footwear 1304 vertically away from transfer device 304, transfer member 403 may be moved laterally toward cladding station 130. The transfer member 403 may be moved laterally in any manner known to those skilled in the art. In certain aspects, the transfer member 403 may traverse along a track 414 extending from the sizing station 120 to the wrapping station 130.

Fig. 5-7 depict views of the coating station 130. As can best be seen in fig. 5, the transfer member 403 has moved laterally along the track 414 to the cladding station 130. In various aspects, to properly wrap the complementary article of footwear in the packaging material 602, either the lateral side or the medial side of the complementary article of footwear may be placed on the packaging material 602. In these aspects, transfer member 403 may be configured to shift the position of complementary article of footwear 1304 so that it is properly oriented to bring packaging material 602 into contact with the lateral side or the medial side. For example, in certain aspects, as depicted in fig. 5, the transfer member 403 and/or the contact assembly 405 and the contact assembly 407 may be rotatable about an axis X that is transverse to the direction of extension of the track 414 and the transport apparatus 502.

In certain aspects, the complementary article of footwear 1304 may be rotated by the transfer member 403 while the transfer member 403 moves the complementary article of footwear 1304 laterally to the cladding station 130 or after the complementary article of footwear 1304 is positioned over the cladding station 130.

In various aspects as depicted in fig. 5-7, the packaging material 602 may be selected and positioned on the transport apparatus 502 at the build station 130 prior to positioning the complementary article of footwear 1302 and the complementary article of footwear 1304 on the packaging material 602.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, the complementary article of footwear may be sized in order to select an appropriate size of packaging material for use at the wrapping station 130. In these aspects, after sizing the complementary article of footwear, for example at sizing station 120, an appropriately sized wrapping material may be obtained from one of a plurality of wrapping material sources.

A plurality of sources 504 of packaging material are best seen in fig. 1. The plurality of packaging material sources 504 depicted in fig. 1 includes a plurality of shelves 506 each containing a different size of packaging material. In an aspect, the plurality of packaging material sources 504, or a controller not depicted in the figures, may be in electronic or wireless communication with at least a portion of sizing station 120 such that the size of complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be communicated to the plurality of packaging material sources 504. In these aspects, one of the plurality of shelves 506 may be displaced into a position such that the position member 508 may contact and position a suitably sized packaging material, such as packaging material 602, over the transport apparatus 502. The packaging material may be any type of commercially available packaging material or paper. In one aspect, the packaging material may comprise tissue paper. It should be understood that other configurations for multiple packaging material sources and for transferring appropriately sized packaging material to a transfer apparatus are also contemplated, and those skilled in the art may utilize other configurations or packaging material systems for particular purposes.

As discussed above, after positioning packaging material 602 on transfer device 502, complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be placed on packaging material 602 and at least partially covered or covered by packaging material 602. In these aspects, the

respective transfer member

402 or 403 may lower the complementary article of footwear onto packaging material 602. In one or more aspects, it may be desirable to wrap each complementary article of footwear in sequence. For example, as can be seen in fig. 6, medial side 1302c of complementary article of footwear 1302 is positioned on packaging material 602, while complementary article of footwear 1304 remains engaged with transfer member 403 and positioned over packaging material 602.

In the aspect depicted in fig. 6, a portion of the wrapping material is placed over at least a portion of the complementary article of footwear 1302, such as by radial movement of the wrap member 604. In these aspects, wrap member 604 may be radially displaced from a resting position on one side of complementary article of footwear 1302 to the other side and cover a portion of the packaging material over at least a portion of complementary article of footwear 1302 as the wrap member is displaced to the other side of complementary article of footwear 1302. Further, in these aspects, the wrap member 604 may be radially displaced back to the resting position after the wrapping material is draped over at least a portion of the complementary article of footwear.

As depicted in fig. 7, after positioning packaging material 602 over complementary article of footwear 1302, complementary article of footwear 1304 may be placed on packaging material 602 by vertical movement of transfer member 403. In these aspects, lateral side 1304d of complementary article of footwear 1304 may be in contact with packaging material 602. In various aspects, complementary article of footwear 1304 may be positioned such that at least a portion of wrapping material 602 covering complementary article of footwear 1302 remains in place. In aspects, the wrap member 606 may be moved radially from a resting position over the complementary article of footwear 1304 such that at least a portion of the packaging material 602 covers over at least a portion of the complementary article of footwear 1304.

In aspects, after complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 are at least partially covered with wrapping material 602, thereby forming wrapping material covered complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304, wrapping material covered complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304 may be transferred to transfer station 140, for example, by transfer device 502.

Fig. 8 depicts an aspect of transfer table 140, and fig. 9A is a schematic illustration of a side view of a portion of transfer table 140 to better depict certain aspects herein. In certain aspects, transfer station 140 may include a reusable packaging sheet 802 and a sheet extension member 804. In addition, as best seen in fig. 9A, the transfer station may also contain a source of packaging sheet material 806. In certain aspects, transfer station 140 may also include compression means 808. It should be noted that fig. 9A schematically depicts complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303, which may correspond to complementary article of footwear 1302 and complementary article of footwear 1304, respectively, discussed herein, but have been given different numbers to reflect the more schematic nature depicted.

In aspects, when present in a shoe box, the reusable packaging sheet 802 may comprise any pliable material that may effectively slide outward from under the complementary article of footwear 1302 and the complementary article of footwear 1304 covering the packaging material, as discussed further below. In one aspect, the outer surface of the reusable packaging sheet 802 or reusable packaging sheet 802 exhibits a static coefficient of friction relative to steel of less than about 0.4 or less than about 0.3 or about 0.05 to about 0.2. In one or more aspects, the reusable packaging sheet 802 can comprise polytetrafluoroethylene.

In certain aspects, the reusable packaging sheet 802 can have a length of at least about 45 centimeters (cm) or at least about 60 cm. In certain aspects, reusable packaging sheet 802 can have a width of at least about 15 centimeters or at least about 20 centimeters. In an aspect, reusable packaging sheet 802 is sized such that a complementary article of footwear may be positioned on top of reusable packaging sheet 802 and not extend more than 6 inches, more than 3 inches, or more than 2 inches beyond reusable packaging sheet 802.

As can be seen in fig. 9A, the packaging sheet source 806 may be a roll containing at least a portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 wound around the core of the roll. It should be understood that the packaging sheet source 806 is exemplary, and other configurations or types of packaging sheet sources may be used with the present system. For example, in an aspect, the packaging sheet source may include a linearly extending portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 extending below the wrapping station 130, sizing station 120, and/or alignment station 110.

In certain aspects, the sheet extension member 804 may contact the reusable packaging sheet 802 and extend it outwardly away from the packaging sheet source 806 and beyond the

guide members

812 and 814. In these aspects, the sheet extension member 804 may be coupled to a movement mechanism that may displace the sheet extension member 804 from a position adjacent to the packaging sheet source 806 to a position distal to the packaging sheet source 806, such as the position of the sheet extension member 804 depicted in fig. 9A. In aspects, the sheet extension member 804 may be moved along the one or more rails 810, for example, using any conventional movement mechanism.

In one or more aspects, complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 may also be moved with reusable packaging sheet 802 to a final position, such as a position between

guide members

812 and 814, as reusable packaging sheet 802 extends outward from packaging sheet source 806. In these aspects, when transferring complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 to transfer station 140, mechanical or optical sensors may be used to communicate, for example, through transport device 502 of draping station 130, so that reusable packaging sheet 802 may begin to extend and transfer complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 outward in synchronization with reusable packaging sheet 802. In an alternative aspect, after having extended outward and formed a plane, complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 may be transferred to reusable packaging sheet 802, for example, using a conventional alternative transfer mechanism, as discussed below.

In certain aspects, the sheet extension member 804 may be configured in any manner so long as the sheet extension member 804 can contact and extend the reusable packaging sheet 802 outwardly away from the packaging sheet source 806 and beyond the

guide members

812 and 814. As can be seen in fig. 9A, sheet extension member 804 may maintain a tension on reusable packaging sheet 802 sufficient to maintain at least a portion or all of complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 positioned over guide member 812 and guide member 814. In these aspects, the compression member 808 may contact the reusable packaging sheet 802 and, in combination with the force applied by the sheet extension member 804, apply a downward force on the reusable packaging sheet 802 to maintain sufficient tension on the reusable packaging sheet 802 to maintain at least a portion or all of the complementary footwear 1301 and the complementary footwear 1303 positioned over the

guide members

812 and 814. In the same or alternative aspects, the packaging sheet source 806 may apply a force to the reusable packaging sheet 802 in combination with the force applied by the sheet extension member 804 to maintain sufficient tension on the reusable packaging sheet 802 to maintain at least a portion or all of the complementary articles of footwear 1301 and complementary articles of footwear 1303 positioned over the

guide members

812 and 814.

In one or more aspects, as can be seen in fig. 9A, sheet extension member 804 may maintain tension on reusable packaging sheet 802 such that reusable packaging sheet 802 forms and maintains a plane even when complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 are positioned on top surface 802a of reusable packaging sheet 802. In these aspects, compression member 808 may contact reusable packaging sheet 802 and, in combination with the force applied by sheet extension member 804, apply a downward force on reusable packaging sheet 802 to form and maintain the plane of reusable packaging sheet 802 even when complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 are positioned on top surface 802a of reusable packaging sheet 802. In the same or alternative aspects, packaging sheet source 806 may apply a force to reusable packaging sheet 802 in combination with the force applied by sheet extension member 804 to form and maintain the plane of reusable packaging sheet 802 even when complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 are positioned on top surface 802a of reusable packaging sheet 802. In various aspects, when complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 are positioned on top surface 802a of reusable packaging sheet 802, the force applied by sheet extension member 804 (and/or by compression member 808 and/or by packaging sheet source 806) to form a plane of reusable packaging sheet 802 may be sufficient to limit a portion of the plane of reusable packaging sheet 802 from displacing vertically downward by less than about 25 centimeters, less than about 13 centimeters, or less than about 10 centimeters. In one or more aspects, the plane of reusable packaging sheet 802 as described above may be formed without

guide members

812 and 814.

Fig. 9B depicts a schematic representation of transfer station 140 after reusable packaging sheet 802 has been lowered to transfer complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 into shoe box 900. As discussed above, by using reusable packaging sheet 802, complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 may be placed in shoe box 900 with minimal clearance between the sides of shoe box 900 (e.g., side 902 and side 904) and complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303. In these aspects, packaging of complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 in shoe box 900 with minimal margins may be achieved in a more efficient manner than done manually, for example, due to inefficiencies associated with manual selection of packaging materials and/or shoe boxes. Further, in these aspects, by lowering complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 into shoe box 900 using reusable packaging sheet 802, less damage to the article of footwear or shoe box occurs than with a mechanical gripper or contact assembly used to manipulate the article of footwear into a shoe box with minimal clearance between the article of footwear and the sides of the shoe box.

In one aspect, guide

members

812 and 814 may guide complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 down toward shoe box 900 in the proper direction for proper placement inside shoe box 900. In an alternative aspect, without

guide members

812 and 814, complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 may be guided into position within shoe box 900 using

sides

902 and 904 of shoe box 900 as guides.

As can be seen in the aspect depicted in fig. 9A, when the complementary article of footwear is placed inside the shoe box 900, the reusable packaging sheet 802 is positioned inside the shoe box 900 and under the complementary article of footwear 1301 and the complementary article of footwear 1303. In these aspects, the packaging sheet source 806 may retract the reusable packaging sheet 802 toward the packaging sheet source 806 to enable the reusable packaging sheet 802 to be removed from the shoe box 900. Also in these aspects, as discussed above, reusable packaging sheet 802 may comprise a material having a low static coefficient of friction such that reusable packaging sheet 802 may slide out of shoe box 900 without interfering with the position of complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 inside the shoe box. In one or more aspects, the sheet extension member 804 may be separated from contact with the reusable packaging sheet 802 during or before retraction of the reusable packaging sheet 802 toward the packaging sheet source 806.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, when complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 are positioned on or transferred to reusable packaging sheet 802, tension in reusable packaging sheet 802 may form and maintain a plane, and/or maintain at least a portion of complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 positioned over guide member 812 and guide member 814. In aspects, to lower a complementary article of footwear into a shoe box, such as shoe box 900, the tension in reusable packaging sheet 802 described above may be reduced, allowing the weight of complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 to move reusable packaging sheet 802 and complementary article of footwear 1301 and complementary article of footwear 1303 downward and ultimately into the shoe box.

Fig. 10A and 10B depict an aspect of reducing tension in the reusable packaging sheet 802 to lower a complementary article of footwear into a shoe box. Figure 10A is a schematic view of a reusable packaging sheet 802 forming a plane, wherein at least the portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 positioned between the

guide members

812 and 814 is positioned above the

guide members

812 and 814. Also in this aspect depicted in fig. 10A, the sheet extension member 804 is positioned at a distal point a distance Y from the center of the packaging sheet source 806.

In the aspect depicted in fig. 10B, the reusable packaging sheet 802 is lowered by movement of the sheet extension member 804 toward the packaging sheet source 806 such that the sheet extension member 804 is at a distance Y from the center of the packaging sheet source 806¹To (3). In addition, additional portions of the reusable packaging sheet 802 extend outwardly from the packaging sheet source 806, thereby increasing the absolute length of the reusable packaging sheet 802 that extends outwardly from the packaging sheet source 806. For example, as can be seen in fig. 10A and 10B, the radial movement of the packaging sheet source 806 may extend outward of an additional portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802, as depicted by comparing the position Z on the reusable packaging sheet 802 from fig. 10A and 10B.

In certain aspects, additional portions of reusable packaging sheet 802 may be extended in synchronization with the movement of sheet extension member 804 when lowered into a shoe box, such that reusable packaging sheet 802 does not move laterally or does not move substantially laterally (e.g., less than about 20 centimeters or less than about 5 centimeters). For example, as can be seen in fig. 10A and 10B, the position X1 on the reusable packaging sheet 802 does not move laterally between the configurations depicted in fig. 10A and 10B. In these aspects, to cooperatively lower the reusable packaging sheet 802 without lateral movement, the packaging sheet source 806 and the sheet extension member 804 or associated mechanism may be in communication, for example, using conventional systems known to those skilled in the art, and/or may include a movement sensor.

In one or more aspects, the compression member 808 can be utilized to control the speed or amount at which additional portions of the reusable packaging sheet 802 extend outwardly from the packaging sheet source 806, such as by applying or releasing a force on the reusable packaging sheet 802.

Fig. 11A and 11B depict alternative aspects of reducing tension in the reusable packaging sheet 802 to lower the reusable packaging sheet 802 (and complementary article of footwear) into a shoe box. At a high level, in the aspect depicted in fig. 11A and 11B, the tension in the reusable packaging sheet 802 is reduced by movement of the sheet extending member 804 while the absolute length of the reusable packaging sheet 802 extending outwardly from the packaging sheet source 806 is the same or substantially the same (e.g., the difference in length is less than about 15 centimeters or the difference in length is less than about 5 centimeters).

As can be seen in fig. 11A, the reusable packaging sheet 802 forms a plane with at least the portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 positioned between the

guide members

812 and 814 positioned above the

guide members

In fig. 11B, the sheet extension member 804 has been moved laterally toward the packaging sheet source 806 to a distance Y from the center of the packaging sheet source 806¹. In these aspects, no additional portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 extends outwardly from the packaging sheet source 806 (as depicted by the same position Z of the reusable packaging sheet 802 in fig. 11A and 11B), such that a portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 may be laterally displaced, as depicted by the movement of position X1 on the reusable packaging sheet 802 between fig. 11A and 11B. In these aspects, the compression member 808 and/or the packaging sheet source 806 may provide a force that resists outward extension of additional portions of the reusable packaging sheet 802 or a force that resists retraction of a portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 as the sheet extension member 804 is moved laterally toward the packaging sheet source 806.

As discussed above, in the aspect depicted in fig. 11A and 11B, the reusable packaging sheet 802 may be moved laterally back toward the packaging sheet source 806 as the sheet extension member 804 is moved back toward the packaging sheet source 806, reducing tension in and lowering the reusable packaging sheet 802. In these aspects, the reusable packaging sheet 802 having an outer surface with a reduced coefficient of static friction may facilitate or enhance any slippage of the complementary footwear within the concave portion of the reusable packaging sheet 802 (as depicted in fig. 11B) even if the reusable packaging sheet 802 is moved laterally, such that the complementary footwear may remain centered at the apex of the concave portion as it is lowered into the footwear box.

Fig. 12 depicts an aspect of shoe box transport system 150. In the aspect depicted in fig. 12, a shoe box, such as shoe box 900, can be raised and lowered using a lifting mechanism, such as scissor lift 903 depicted in fig. 12. For example, in certain aspects, shoe box 900 may be raised to receive a complementary article of footwear (not depicted in fig. 12) at a transfer station. In these aspects, after shoe box 900 has received a complementary article of footwear and lowered, or when the shoe box is transferred out, such as on transfer apparatus 906, the shoe box may be positioned such that an outer portion of shoe box cover 900a may contact the structure to cause shoe box cover 900a to close.

Fig. 12 also depicts a shoe box transfer mechanism 905 that transmits one or more shoe boxes for receiving complementary articles of footwear. Shoe box transfer mechanism 905 can be any suitable transfer mechanism or transport mechanism, and one of ordinary skill in the art can select a particular mechanism or configuration for a particular purpose.

Fig. 14 depicts an aspect of shoe box marking system 160. In certain aspects, shoe box marking system 160 selects and applies a label to a shoe box received from transfer station 140. It should be understood that shoe box marking system 160 may be a separate system and may be physically separate from transfer station 140 or other components of system 100 discussed above.

In one or more aspects, shoe box marking system 160 can include a label source 1410, a label liner removal assembly 1420, a label applicator 1430, a shoe box retaining assembly 1440, and a transport apparatus 1450. It should be understood that the shoe box marking system 160 depicted in fig. 14 is an exemplary aspect of one shoe box marking system, and other types of components or arrangements of system components may be utilized herein.

In various aspects, at a high level, shoe box marking system 160 applies a shoe box label to a shoe box containing a complementary article of footwear disposed therein, for example, at transfer station 140 of system 100 of fig. 1. In these aspects, a shoe box containing a complementary article of footwear may be transferred to the shoe box marking system 160 by the transfer apparatus 906 discussed above with respect to the shoe box transfer system 150 depicted in fig. 12.

In certain aspects, upon transferring the shoe box to transmission device 1450, the presence and location of the shoe box may be sensed by a sensor, such as sensor 1452, which may be coupled to transmission device 1450. In these aspects, sensor 1452 can be any type of commercially available sensor capable of detecting the presence and location of a shoe box, such as a motion sensor or an optical sensor. Also in these aspects, sensor 1452 is communicatively coupled to a motor or other portion of transmission device 1450 so that transmission device 1450 can transfer the shoe box into place to place the tag to the shoe box.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, shoe box marking system 160 includes a label source, such as label source 1410. As can be seen in the aspect depicted in fig. 14, label source 1410 may include a plurality of label shoe boxes for holding a plurality of labels, such as label shoe box 1412A through label shoe box 1412G. The plurality of tags may include a plurality of differently labeled tags for different types or sizes of articles of footwear. In aspects, each type of tag may be stored in a separate tag shoe box, such as one of the tag shoe boxes 1412A-1412G.

In aspects, when a particular label is required for application to a shoe box, the label shoe boxes 1412A-1412G may be rotated such that one of the label shoe boxes 1412A-1412G may engage or be adjacent to the label liner removal assembly 1420. Fig. 14 depicts a label shoe cassette 1412G positioned adjacent to the label backing paper removal assembly 1420.

In certain aspects, shoe box marking system 160 may be communicatively coupled to sensors or identification components in order to identify which specific tags are required, such as sensor 1452 or some other sensing or identification component associated with alignment station 110, sizing station 120, or wrapping station 130 depicted in fig. 1. In this aspect, a need for a particular label may be communicated to the label source 1410 and cause the label shoe cassettes 1412A-1412G to rotate until the appropriate label shoe cassette containing the desired label is positioned adjacent the label backing paper removal assembly 1420.

In an aspect, the label source 1410 may include a plurality of identical labels, in which case communication of the desired labels may not be necessary, and instead, the label shoe boxes 1412A-1412G may rotate to maintain a steady supply of shoe box labels adjacent to the label liner removal assembly 1420.

It should be understood that the label source 1410 depicted in FIG. 14 is one exemplary label source, and that other types of label sources are contemplated for use in the system described herein. For example, in one or more aspects, the label source may include a printer for printing specific labels on demand. In these aspects, not depicted in the figures, the printer may be communicatively coupled to a sensor or identification component in order to identify which particular labels should be printed, such as the sensor 1452 or some other sensing or identification component associated with the alignment station 110, sizing station 120, or wrapping station 130 depicted in fig. 1.

As discussed above, in aspects, a particular label shoe cassette, such as label shoe cassette 1412G, is positioned adjacent to the label backing paper removal assembly 1420. In certain aspects, not depicted in the figures, the assembly of label source 1410 may transfer a single label to the label-liner removal assembly 1420 using conventional equipment such as a movable vacuum or suction device that can temporarily adhere one label thereto and transfer the label to the label-liner removal assembly 1420.

As can best be seen in fig. 15 and 16, the label backing paper removal assembly 1420 can include a backing paper engaging member 1422 and a label receiving member 1426. In operation, in various aspects, labels can be positioned between the back side 1428 of the label receiving member 1426 and the roller 1424 as they are transferred from the label source 1410 to the label-liner removal assembly 1420.

As can be seen in fig. 15 and 16, and discussed in further detail below, after receiving a label 1610 at the label liner removal assembly 1420, the label 1610 can be transferred to the label applicator 1430 while removing the label liner 1614 from a portion 1618 of the label 1610. For example, in certain aspects, one or more rollers, such as roller 1424, may transfer labels 1610 from the label receiving member 1426 to the label applicator 1430 as the liner engaging member 1422 engages a portion of the liner for removal from the labels 1610.

In certain aspects, after the liner paper engaging member 1422 engages a portion of the liner paper of the label 1610, the liner paper engaging member 1422 may be displaced relative to the label receiving member 1426 to facilitate removal of the liner paper. Fig. 15 depicts the liner paper engaging member 1422 in a first position where the liner paper engaging member 1422 initially engages a portion of the liner paper of the label 1610. Fig. 16 depicts the liner paper engaging member 1422 in a second position in which the liner paper engaging member 1422 has been displaced outwardly away from the label receiving member 1426 (e.g., the X2 direction depicted in fig. 16) and laterally away from the label applicator 1430 (e.g., the Y2 direction depicted in fig. 16). In these aspects, the liner-engaging member 1422 may engage an edge portion 1615 of the label 1610 that does not form part of the linerless label 1612, and then shift from a first position depicted in fig. 15 to a second position depicted in fig. 16. Further, in these aspects, one or more rollers, such as roller 1424, may continue to transfer labels toward the label applicator 1430 as the liner-engaging member 1422 removes the label liner 1614.

In certain aspects, as can be seen in fig. 15 and 16, the label applicator 1430 includes a label engaging member 1434 for receiving a linerless label 1612. In these aspects, the linerless label 1612 is positioned on the label engaging member 1434 such that the adhesive face 1616 of the linerless label 1612 faces away from the label engaging member 1434. In certain aspects, as depicted in fig. 15 and 16, the label engaging member 1434 includes a plurality of apertures, such as the aperture 1432, to provide a negative pressure or vacuum pressure to cause the linerless label 1612 to temporarily adhere to the label engaging member 1434. In certain aspects, negative pressure or vacuum pressure may be applied through the orifice 1432 by a vacuum or negative pressure generating device not depicted in the figures, for example in fluid communication with the orifice 1432 by one or more vacuum or negative pressure generating device connecting members 1438.

In certain aspects, after the linerless label 1612 is temporarily adhered to the label engaging member 1434, the label applicator 1430 may apply the label to a shoe box containing a complementary article of footwear. Fig. 17 depicts a complementary article of footwear containing shoe box 1700 positioned on a transmission device 1450 for application of a linerless label 1612 by a label applicator 1430.

As can be seen in fig. 17, the label applicator 1430 and the shoe cassette retaining assembly 1440 are positioned on opposite sides of the shoe cassette 1700 and on opposite sides of the conveyor belt of the transport apparatus 1450. In certain aspects, after positioning shoe box 1700 on transmission apparatus 1450 for application of linerless label 1612, shoe box contact member 1442 of shoe box retaining assembly 1440 may be extended outwardly to contact shoe box 1700 in order to move side 1702 of shoe box 1700 and position it in contact with shoe box positioning member 1454. In these aspects, after properly positioning side 1702 of shoe box 1700, for example by contacting shoe box positioning member 1454, label applicator 1430 may be extended toward shoe box 1700 and apply linerless label 1612 to side 1702 of shoe box 1700. In one or more aspects, the extension member 1436 can extend outward such that the label engaging member 1434 of the linerless label 1612 temporarily adhered thereto extends toward the shoe box 1700.

In certain aspects, after the linerless label 1612 has been applied, for example, by adhesive on the adhesive face 1616 of the linerless label 1612, the shoe box contact member 1442 can extend rearwardly away from the shoe box 1700, and the transfer device 1450 can transfer the shoe box 1700 for additional processing.

Turning now to fig. 18, a flow diagram of a method 1800 of loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe box is depicted. At step 1810, method 1800 includes contacting and extending a reusable wrapping sheet outward from a source of wrapping sheet to a distal point with one or more sheet extension members. In aspects, the sheet extension member 804 discussed above with reference to fig. 8-11B may be used to contact and extend the reusable packaging sheet outwardly from a packaging sheet source. In certain aspects, the reusable packaging sheet may include any or all of the characteristics and parameters of the reusable packaging sheet 802 described above with reference to fig. 8-11B. Further, as can be seen in the aspects depicted in fig. 9A, 10A, and 11A, the reusable packaging sheet may extend from the packaging sheet source through the

guide members

812 and 814 to a point distal to the packaging sheet source 806. Furthermore, as can be seen in the aspects depicted in fig. 9A, 10A and 11A, the bottom side of the reusable packaging sheet 802 may face the

guide members

812 and 814.

At step 1820, method 1800 further includes positioning the first and second complementary articles of footwear on a top side of the reusable wrapping sheet at a location between the first guide member and the second guide member, while tension in the reusable wrapping sheet at least between the first guide member and the second guide member is sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the first and second complementary articles of footwear positioned over the first and second guide members. In aspects, the features of step 1820 may be achieved utilizing the components and respective characteristics associated with the transfer station 140 discussed above with reference to fig. 9A. For example, as discussed above with reference to fig. 9A, as the reusable packaging sheet 802 extends outwardly away from the packaging sheet source 806, the complementary article of footwear may be moved with the reusable packaging sheet 802 to a position between the

guide members

812 and 814. Further, in these aspects, as discussed above with reference to fig. 9A, one or more of the forces provided by the sheet extension member 804, the compression member 808, the packaging sheet source 806, or a combination thereof, may be used to generate a tension in the reusable packaging sheet 802 at least between the

guide members

812 and 814 sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the complementary article of footwear positioned over the

guide members

812 and 814.

At step 1830, the method 1800 further includes, after positioning the first and second complementary articles of footwear on the top side of the reusable wrapping sheet, reducing tension in the reusable wrapping sheet to cause the first and second complementary articles of footwear to shift vertically under the first and second guide members and into the shoe box. In aspects, the tension in the reusable packaging sheet may be reduced using any or all of the methods and components (and their respective characteristics) discussed above with reference to fig. 10A-11B. For example, in aspects, lateral movement of the sheet extension member 804 toward the packaging sheet source 806 alone or in combination with additional portions of the reusable packaging sheet 802 extending outward from the packaging sheet source 806 may reduce tension in the reusable packaging sheet 802 such that the complementary article of footwear may be vertically displaced into the shoe box.

Fig. 19 depicts a flow diagram of a method 1900 of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging. Method 1900 includes a step 1910 of placing the first and second complementary articles of footwear on a transmitting device such that the sole of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear contacts the transmitting device. In certain aspects, complementary articles of footwear may be placed on a transfer device 202 of an alignment station 110 as depicted in fig. 2. In these aspects, the complementary article of footwear may be arranged in a heel-to-toe manner as depicted in fig. 2.

The method 1900 further includes a step 1920 of directing a light source onto each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear to identify a desired location of an apex location of a toe end or a heel end of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear on the transmission device. In aspects, the

light sources

206 and 207 described above with reference to fig. 2 may be utilized to direct light sources onto each of the complementary articles of footwear to achieve the desired positioning of the complementary articles of footwear illustrated in step 1920.

At step 1930 of method 1900, each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear is brought into contact with one or more movable alignment members to align each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear such that an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the first complementary article of footwear is substantially parallel to an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the second complementary article of footwear. In certain aspects, complementary articles of footwear may be aligned in the manner described in step 1930 using the

movable alignment members

208 and 209 discussed above with reference to fig. 2.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. The scope of the claims envisions such a situation and is included within the scope of the claims.

Although specific elements and steps are discussed in connection with each other, it should be understood that any elements and/or steps provided herein are contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or steps, whether or not such other elements and/or steps are explicitly provided, and still fall within the scope provided herein. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A method of encasing complementary articles of footwear in a shoe box, the method comprising:

contacting and extending outwardly from a packaging sheet source to a distal point with one or more sheet extension members such that the reusable packaging sheet extends from the packaging sheet source through first and second guide members to the distal point, wherein a bottom side of the reusable packaging sheet faces the first and second guide members;

positioning first and second complementary articles of footwear on a top side of the reusable packaging sheet at a location between the first and second guide members while tension in the reusable packaging sheet between at least the first and second guide members is sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the first and second complementary articles of footwear positioned over the first and second guide members; and

after positioning the first and second complementary articles of footwear on the top side of the reusable packaging sheet, reducing tension in the reusable packaging sheet such that the first and second complementary articles of footwear are displaced vertically below the first and second guide members and into a shoe box.

2. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 1, wherein a lateral or medial side of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear faces the top side of the reusable packaging sheet.

3. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first complementary article of footwear and the second complementary article of footwear are at least partially covered with a packaging material.

4. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the reducing the tension in the reusable packaging sheet includes moving the one or more sheet extension members from the distal point toward the packaging sheet source.

5. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 4, wherein as the one or more sheet extension members are moved from the distal point toward the packaging sheet source to reduce tension in the reusable packaging sheet, an additional portion of the reusable packaging sheet extends outwardly from the packaging sheet source, thereby increasing the absolute length of the reusable packaging sheet extending outwardly from the packaging sheet source.

6. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the source of packaging sheet includes a roller of the reusable packaging sheet such that a portion of the reusable packaging sheet is rolled off the source of packaging sheet as the reusable packaging sheet extends outwardly from the source of packaging sheet to the distal point.

7. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 4, wherein as the one or more sheet extension members move from the distal point toward the packaging sheet source, a compression member applies a force to the reusable packaging sheet at a point proximate to the packaging sheet source such that the reusable packaging sheet is maintained in a substantially fixed position at the point proximate to the packaging sheet source.

8. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 1, wherein after the reducing the tension in the reusable packaging sheet to cause the first and second complementary articles of footwear to shift vertically below the first and second guide members and into a box, the reusable packaging sheet is retracted toward the packaging sheet source while the first and second complementary articles of footwear remain inside the box.

9. The method of boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first and second complementary articles of footwear are positioned on the top side of the reusable packaging sheet at the location between the first and second guide members while the reusable packaging sheet extends outwardly from the packaging sheet source to the distal point.

10. The method of encasing a complementary article of footwear in a shoe box according to claim 1 wherein the static coefficient of friction between the outer surface of said reusable packaging sheet and the steel is less than 0.4.

11. A method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging, the method comprising:

placing a first complementary article of footwear and a second complementary article of footwear on a transmission device such that a sole of each of the first complementary article of footwear and the second complementary article of footwear contacts the transmission device;

directing a light source onto each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear to identify a desired location of an apex location of a toe end or a heel end of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear on the transmission device; and

contacting each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear with one or more movable alignment members to align each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear such that an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the first complementary article of footwear is substantially parallel to an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the second complementary article of footwear.

12. The method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging according to claim 11, wherein a medial side of the first complementary article of footwear faces a lateral side of the second complementary article of footwear when placed on the transfer apparatus.

13. The method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging according to claim 11, wherein the heel end of the first complementary article of footwear is adjacent to the toe end of the second complementary article of footwear.

14. The method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging according to claim 11, wherein the one or more movable alignment members include a first movable alignment member and a second movable alignment member, wherein each of the first movable alignment member and the second movable alignment member includes opposing first and second contact assemblies, wherein contacting each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear with the one or more movable alignment members comprises:

1) contacting the first contact assembly of the first movable alignment member with a heel portion of the first complementary article of footwear;

2) contacting the second contact assembly of the first movable alignment member with a toe portion of the first complementary article of footwear;

3) contacting the first contact assembly of the second movable alignment member with a toe portion of the second complementary article of footwear; and

4) contacting the second contact assembly of the second moveable alignment member with a heel portion of the second complementary article of footwear.

15. The method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging according to claim 11, further comprising: determining a size of the first complementary article of footwear and the second complementary article of footwear; and selecting at least one sheet of packaging material for the first and second complementary articles of footwear based on the determined sizes, the at least one sheet of packaging material sized to substantially cover a maximum length of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear; and positioning the at least one sheet of packaging material on a second transport apparatus.

16. The method of aligning complementary articles of footwear for packaging according to claim 15, wherein a first transfer member is utilized to transfer the first complementary article of footwear onto the at least one sheet of packaging material such that a lateral side or a medial side contacts the at least one sheet of packaging material on the second transfer apparatus, wherein the first transfer member includes a toe assembly and a heel assembly in contact with the toe end and the heel end of the first complementary article of footwear, respectively.

17. A system for encasing complementary articles of footwear in a shoe box, the system comprising:

a first transfer device sized to transfer a first complementary article of footwear and a second complementary article of footwear;

one or more movable alignment members, each of the one or more movable alignment members having a first contact component and a second contact component positioned on opposite sides of the first transmission apparatus, wherein the first contact component and the second contact component are movable toward or away from each other to contact or release from contact with one of the first complementary article of footwear and the second complementary article of footwear;

a first transfer member and a second transfer member vertically and laterally displaceable, wherein each of the first transfer member and the second transfer member comprises a first contact assembly and a second contact assembly rotatable about an axis transverse to a direction of lateral movement of the first transfer member and the second transfer member;

a packaging sheet source comprising a reusable packaging sheet;

a first guide member and a second guide member laterally spaced from the packaging sheet source at a fixed position such that the first guide member is positioned between the packaging sheet source and the second guide member; and

one or more sheet extension members displaceable from a first position in which the one or more extension members are positioned between the packaging sheet source and the first guide member to a second position in which the first guide member and the second guide member are positioned between the packaging sheet source and the one or more sheet extension members.

18. The system for boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 17, further comprising a plurality of sources of packaging material, wherein each of the plurality of sources of packaging material comprises packaging material sized for differently sized articles of footwear.

19. The system for boxing complementary articles of footwear according to claim 17, further comprising a light source positioned to direct light in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the first transmission device, the light source for identifying a desired location of an apex location of a toe end or a heel end of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear when the sole of each of the first and second complementary articles of footwear is in contact with the first transmission device.

20. The system for loading complementary articles of footwear into a shoe magazine of claim 17, further comprising a shoe magazine marking system including a label source having one or more shoe magazine labels, a label backing paper removal assembly, and a label applicator, wherein the label backing paper removal assembly includes a label receiving member and a backing paper engaging member displaceable relative to the label receiving member, and wherein the label applicator includes a label engaging member in fluid communication with a negative pressure generating source.